Search - Wendy Waldman :: Gypsy Symphony

A Truly Great Sophomore Effort

Mark D. Prouse | Riverdale (Bronx), NY | 06/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having been so thrilled with the CD issue of WENDY WALDMAN, her third Warner Brothers album, I intended to give all five Collectors Choice releases five stars, but I had not heard these recordings in a long time. The reality did not live up to my anticipation, and only THE MAIN REFRAIN ended up getting another five-star rating. This should not be discouraging for long-time fans OR newer, more adventurous listeners. There is plenty here to love. Waldman not only avoided the sophomore jinx with this effort, she easily equaled her stunning debut. I would add a half star if I could, just for the opening track 'My Love Is All I Know,' which immediately ensnares the listener in a wash of guitars and keyboards and soaring vocals, 'My Name is Love,' a masterful, rather edgy description of "Love" in the first person, and 'Mad Mad Me,' as psychotic as pop music ever gets. Beauty meets the inner Beast. 'The Good Love' is plain gorgeous, despite uncharacteristically cliched lyrics, and 'Cold Back On Me' is a slice of spine-tingling disco-pop. It's interesting that this almost overproduced album precedes a stripped-down, naked third album that is as spare and subtle as this one is lush and baroque."